Job Description
Job Title: Footwear Materials Designer – Global Basketball / Signature Footwear Location: Portland, OR (PHK) – Hybrid/Onsite Duration: 05/18/2026 – 08/21/2026 (3-Month Contract | Leave Coverage) Overview We are seeking an experienced Footwear Materials Designer to support a high-visibility Global Basketball and Signature Athlete Footwear team. This role will partner closely with footwear designers, developers, and cross-functional teams to drive innovative material concepts and executions across premium performance footwear projects. The ideal candidate brings strong expertise in footwear materials design and innovation, with the ability to confidently make material decisions based on performance, aesthetics, manufacturability, and cost considerations. Candidates from adjacent industries such as automotive, consumer electronics, or performance apparel textiles are also encouraged to apply. Responsibilities Drive materials design and innovation for signature athlete and basketball footwear projects Research, develop, and execute material concepts aligned with product vision and performance goals Create compelling material stories, palettes, finishes, and textile applications Partner with design, development, and manufacturing teams to ensure material feasibility and execution Present concepts and explain rationale behind material decisions and innovation approaches Translate trend research and inspiration into unique, elevated material solutions Balance creativity with manufacturing capabilities, timelines, and cost constraints Communicate effectively with internal and external partners in a fast-paced collaborative environment Contribute to project storytelling through strong process documentation and portfolio-quality presentations Required Qualifications: 5+ years of experience in footwear materials design or related materials-focused industries Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience Strong understanding of textile and decorative materials, synthetics, polyurethanes, and TPU applications Ability to confidently evaluate material performance and make informed design decisions Strong ideation and innovation process with the ability to articulate design thinking clearly Experience working cross-functionally in collaborative product creation environments Excellent communication and presentation skills Preferred Qualifications: Experience working within footwear manufacturing and product creation processes Understanding of manufacturing impacts on material and design choices Ability to design within cost constraints while maintaining premium product intent Strong awareness of consumer, fashion, and performance trends Previous experience within the footwear or athletic industry preferred Ability to thrive in fast-paced environments and adapt quickly to feedback Portfolio Requirements: Portfolio Must Demonstrate Strong storytelling and clear project structure from concept to final execution Examples of collaborative projects and measurable impact/contribution Material exploration, innovation thinking, and process work Ability to clearly communicate design rationale and decision-making process Ideal Candidate: Highly collaborative and proactive Comfortable receiving and applying feedback Passionate about innovation, materials, and performance product design Able to work independently while partnering effectively with multiple teams Ready to contribute immediately in a fast-moving environment Keywords: Footwear Design, Materials Design, Textile Design, TPU, Polyurethane, Synthetics, Performance Footwear, Basketball Footwear, Material Innovation, Footwear Manufacturing, Product Creation, CMF Design, Apparel Textiles, Consumer Products, Trend Research, Footwear Development, Global Footwear Design, Athletic Footwear, Material Storytelling